Game Recaps

RIVERMEN CLOSE ROAD SCHEDULE WITH LAST-SECOND LOSS2013-04-19

The
deciding goal in the game didn't come until 12.9 seconds left in regulation
when Tomas Jurco slipped in a power-play goal to give Grand Rapids a 3-1 win
over the Peoria Rivermen on Friday night at Van Andel Arena. Jan Mursak added
an empty-netter with 1.9 seconds left to increase the margin of victory.

The
Griffin clinched the Midwest Division title with the win while the Rivermen
finished their road schedule with a record of 13-22-3-0. They are now 33-33-4-4
heading into their final two games at Carver Arena.

Peoria
jumped on the scoreboard first just 3:31 into the game. Nathan Longpre flipped
an airborne pass up the ice into the Grand Rapids' defensive zone. T.J. Hensick
collected the puck and backhanded a shot past Petr Mrazek's blocker side for
his 19th goal of the season. Evgeny Grachev also earned an assist on
the play.

The
Griffins tied the game in the second period. Brian Skinner took a shot from the
blue line that went past Mike McKenna's blocker to tie the game 1-1 at 9:04.
Jeff Hoggan and Riley Sheahan assisted on the game-tying goal.

After
neither team earned a penalty in the first two frames, it was a delay of game
penalty that cost the Rivermen. Grand Rapids responded with a power-play goal
with 12.9 seconds remaining in regulation to take a decisive 2-1 lead. Jurco
was able to push in a rebound, which was reviewed by officials, for his 14th
goal of the season. Hoggan and Landon Ferraro earned assists on the
game-winning goal.

Mursak's
empty-netter was his fourth of the season.

The
Rivermen went 0-for-1 on the powerplay, while Grand Rapids was 1-for-3. The Griffins
outshot the Peoria 43-19, including a 17-6 advantage in the third period.

The Rivermen open their last homestand of the season
against the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. All tickets to both
Saturday and Sunday's game are available for as little as $5 and all
merchandise has been marked down 50 percent. Following Saturday's game the team
will auction off their white jerseys. For tickets or more information call
309-676-1040.